Vice President Vance Breaks Tie To Confirm Pete Hegseth As Defense Secretary

Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Secretary of Defense on Friday after Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote, securing his confirmation by a narrow margin of 51-50. The confirmation process faced strong opposition from Democrats and three key Republican senators — Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — who cited concerns over Hegseth’s qualifications and past personal conduct.
Hegseth, a decorated veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, faced scrutiny during the confirmation hearings. Allegations of misconduct surfaced, including claims of excessive drinking and marital infidelity, which he denied. Some senators questioned whether his military service and media career provided enough experience to lead the Department of Defense.
🚨BREAKING: President Trump just reacted to Pete Hegseth becoming the next Secretary of Defense:
"I'm honored to have Pete. I think Pete's gonna be a great Secretary of Defense and we're honored to have him."
pic.twitter.com/1FkvwuVTGx— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) January 25, 2025
Despite these concerns, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) voiced his support for Hegseth after conducting his own review, stating that he was convinced Hegseth’s leadership and commitment to the military would serve the nation well. Tillis highlighted Hegseth’s firsthand experience as a veteran as a key factor in his decision.
Thank you for your confidence Mr. President.
Thank you for the tie-breaker Mr. Vice President.
Thank you Senators for 50 votes.
This is for the troops. For the warriors. For our country.
America First. Every day. We will never back down. 🇺🇸
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 25, 2025
Following the confirmation, President Donald Trump congratulated Hegseth on social media, reaffirming his confidence in his ability to lead the Pentagon and implement needed reforms. Hegseth has promised to focus on rebuilding the military by eliminating DEI programs and emphasizing combat readiness.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 25, 2025
The confirmation process was marred by controversy, with accusations against Hegseth published in media outlets, including claims that he was forced out of his previous role at Concerned Veterans for America due to financial mismanagement and misconduct. However, supporters argue these allegations were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence.
🚨 WTF? Mitch McConnell immediately walked over and CELEBRATED with the Democrats after voting against Hegseth
This man HAS TO GO in 2026.
The people of Kentucky voted for Trump’s mandate—not this anti-Trump BS. pic.twitter.com/bfFZtayx51
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 25, 2025
Hegseth now assumes leadership of the Pentagon, overseeing the nation’s defense policy and working to implement Trump’s agenda. In the meantime, changes within military leadership have already begun, with the removals of high-profile officials such as Adm. Linda Fagan and Col. Julie Sposito-Salceies.
Come primary season, let us all remember that Senators Susan Collins & Lisa Murkowski voted for this, while opposing Pete Hegseth:
pic.twitter.com/UqPUnRybLU— Jillian Anderson (@Jillie_Alexis) January 24, 2025
Pray for Pete Hegseth to serve as our next Secretary of Defense. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VVH9V9gOMK
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) January 14, 2025